Why Do Cats Hiss Like Snakes

Some theorize that cats learned to imitate a snakes threatening habit of hissing.

Why do cats hiss like snakes. Cats hiss for many reasons but some experts believe that the hissing started in wild cats that were imitating snakes. Along with hissing cats may let out a guttural growling sound when feeling especially defensive. Snakes are seen as some of the most fearsome predators in the animal kingdom.

The hissing is more frequently observed among the un-neutered cats. To make the hissing sound cats leave their mouths partially open and tense. Play hissing is acceptable if the cat is engaged in play and the hissing is not a harsh pain like hiss.

Aggression Growling in Cats Cats hiss at people to communicate pain fear displeasure or aggression. How do cats make hissing sounds. Cats usually strike first when hunting or facing confrontation with animals or humans and they seem to be as bold as lions and snakes.

This snake-like sound is the product of the air thats forced through the arched tongue and mouth. Do Cats Pretend To Be Snakes. This shows that the cat will attack the opponent if it doesnt leave.

Researchers believe that cats use an instinctive and effective method of self defense called mimicry which has evolved over the ages and across species. Can a house cat kill a snake. The sound will occur as the air is forced into the airway that is constricted in their throat.

The evolution of the cat hiss happened over many years. Evolutionarily the hiss is coupled with fear for many mammals. Hissing is a form of defense when a cat encounters a situation that makes them feel anxious afraid or threatened says Jennifer Maniet DVM staff veterinarian at Petplan pet insurance.